]]>Showers Pass, the Oregon-based apparel company best known for cycling rainwear, released a a couple of items that might make cycling and race days better during wet weather, and could be good gift ideas for the cyclist in your life.

In California, we’ve been blessed with some recent wet weekends of racing, and we’ve put Showers Pass’ new Syncline Jacket and Refuge duffel bag to the test.

An Affordable, Breathable Shell

First up the Syncline jacket, a waterproof/breathable technical jacket with a ripstop nylon shell and 2.5 layer coating. The Syncline is a hip length hooded shell jacket with design features making it at home on the campsite as well as on the bike with longer sleeves and a dropped tail for coverage when riding.

You can ride to the race in the Syncline, and put it back on after your race to heckle your friends and ring that cowbell. The sleeves have wide Velcro-cinched cuffs to seal out drafts and water, and the lower hem has an elastic drawcord to cinch it tight around your hips. The hood fits snuggly and can be cinched around the face with the elastic drawcord that encircles the opening.

The layers of the Syncline’s 2.5 layer fabric include the shell material, in this case ripstop nylon, the polyurethane (PU) coating that is porous to vapor but not water droplets, and a coating over the PU layer on the inside to add durability and keep the PU from contacting the skin. The advantage of this construction is light weight and lower cost than laminates such as GoreTex or EVent fabrics. A durable water-repellent coating tops the fabric, key to any waterproof breathable fabric’s optimum function.

[caption id="attachment_92475" align="aligncenter" width="532"] There is a small vent just in front of the arm pit. C. Lee / Cyclocross Magazine[/caption]

Additional ventilation of the Syncline jacket is accomplished by the front zipper, which has a storm flap behind it, with a soft fabric at the top for comfort at your chin, and two zippered chest vents just forward of each armpit, covered by a storm flap. The pockets, with water-resistant zippers, can also act as vents since the pocket liners are mesh. Those pocket liners are constructed in such a way that they form an inside pocket that can fit a bike-sized water bottle.

Reflective accents are sewn into the seams at the cuffs and shoulders, and there’s a reflective logo on the lower back.

The Syncline jacket fits loosely to easily fit over an insulated layer, so if you like a snug fit to wear over only a sweater or jersey, size down. The extra rooms adds to its versatility though, letting you layer up for winter riding or less-aerobic commutes.

For $125 USD, the Syncline jacket is a good value for a versatile, waterproof, breathable rain shell.

A Waterproof Gear Bag for Wet Race Days

[caption id="attachment_92471" align="alignnone" width="750"] The Refuge waterproof duffel bag from Showers Pass is a waterproof bag that has a 51 liter main compartment and sells for $189. C. Lee / Cyclocross Magazine[/caption]

When Showers Pass comes out with luggage, you better believe it’s waterproof. The Refuge waterproof duffel bag from Showers Pass is unique with fully waterproof construction including welded seams, and a removable fold-out 2’x3′ waterproof changing mat that is tucked into its own compartment.

The Refuge Duffel is a self-supporting design that stays upright and open making it easy to pack and find items within. The 51 liter bag’s main compartment has a removable divider for organization, as well as elastic pockets, a key lanyard, and a zippered pocket under the flap. Two flanking separate compartments are large enough for shoes, or bottles, and one has a padded, soft lined pocket for fragile items like your bike computer or phone.

The Refuge Duffel is made of ballistic nylon with a thick urethane coating that gives the fabric a tough, stiff feel. The top flap overlaps the zipper by a 3.5cm all the way around, preventing water leakage through the main zipper. The flanking compartments have waterproof zippers. The carry handles have a padded grip, as does the shoulder strap. Reflective accents surround the black bag.

[caption id="attachment_92472" align="alignnone" width="750"] A good race day bag but where do the shoes go? C. Lee / Cyclocross Magazine[/caption]

The $189 USD Showers Pass Refuge duffel is a tough, durable and truly waterproof bag. It’s attractive with its matte black finish and reflective accents, like a piece of true high-end luggage with a sporty look.

It’s a good size for race day or an overnight trip, but for cyclocross, you’ll have to consider what you pack to fit. Two kits, warm-ups, extra socks, waterproof garments, tubes of embrocation, small tools, and accessories all take up space, and thus you may have to pack your helmet and shoes separately if you’re racing in wet or inclement weather. It’s just about right for a single race day, but for a weekend you’ll want more.

Maybe that’s by design. Aren’t cyclocrossers racers are used to having two of everything?

The Showers Pass Refuge duffel is a great gift idea for a cyclocross racer. It’s the type of item many cyclists wouldn’t buy for themselves, as they’d typically rather spend their money on a new tire or kit. Only after trying the Refuge will they realize how much better race day bags can be.

]]>http://www.cxmagazine.com/showers-pass-syncline-jacket-refuge-duffel-bag-review/feed0Don’t Drop It! Handup Gloves Keeps The Can In Your Handhttp://www.cxmagazine.com/handup-gloves-product-review-cyclocross-gear-apparel
http://www.cxmagazine.com/handup-gloves-product-review-cyclocross-gear-apparel#commentsFri, 03 Jun 2016 20:31:57 +0000http://www.cxmagazine.com/?p=84427Perhaps a glove that simplifies the hand-up is not as big of a game changer as the introduction of tubeless. However, anyone who’s been to a local cyclocross race and seen fumbled red cups can attest that there was room for improvement.

Every now and then a product comes along that does things a bit differently. Sealskinz made socks waterproof, Stan’s sealant eliminated the inner tube and now Handup Gloves has created a glove that makes the common hand-up nearly foolproof. The gloves have become quite popular thanks in part to the company’s savvy social media presence. So we wanted to see what Handup Gloves were all about, aside from the slick style.

Perhaps designing a glove that simplifies the hand-up is not as big of a game changer as the introduction of tubeless. However, anyone who’s been to a local cyclocross race and seen fumbled red cups and beer cans can attest that there was room for improvement. The underlying problem–apart from one’s own hand-eye coordination–is getting a grip on slippery, iced-down cups and cans.

Handup addresses this problem with silicone. All of their gloves feature a tacky silicone layer printed across the upper-half of the palm and fingers, which achieves a Velcro-like grip on handlebars and hand-ups alike. Handup only makes gloves in one basic style, so you must figure, “they’d better get it right.” In short course, they do. The gloves are minimalist, snug, true to size and fit like a glove!

In reviewing Handup Glove’s offerings everything from frosty cans to wet bars of soap were put to the test. The cold cans fared very well. During a drop test, the can stayed in hand with even the smallest amount of pressure applied, and it was only with a near-limp hand that the can went tumbling across the pavement. Money grabbers will be happy to know that the silicone provides extraordinary grip on the green goodies. It wasn’t until the the bar of soap that the grip failed. But who’s doing soap handups anyways? Admittedly a hamburger was not part of the test.

But the fun doesn’t stop at hand-ups. The silicone palm also features a printed design revealing a message when the two gloves are held side-by-side. The messages on one test pair read “mud sweat and beers” written across a cartoon depiction of a frothy beer mug. There is also a “‘Merican” design, patriotic in a tongue-in-cheek way, with the stars and stripes across the back of the hand and a finish-line palmprint that spells out ‘Merica in two halves so your victory salute will reveal your allegiance in case anyone needed to know. Ironically they’re made in China, though to exacting specifications we’re sure.

There’s also one that reads “EPIC” for the enthusiastic mountain biker, and one that spells out “ride dirty” for the aging Chamillionaire fan. While it’s hard to imagine these messages being thrown up with regularity on a ‘cross course, they could be used to add some fun to a post race photo-op.

The gloves are constructed from several materials. The underside is Clarino leather, with laser-cut holes aimed to ward off sweaty palms. The back of the glove features 4-way stretch mesh, which never felt constricting, and provided the right balance of ventilation and wind stopping. The cuff forgoes a strap in favor of an elastic band for easy slip-on, and the same elastic material makes its way onto the sides and webbing of the fingers. A small pull tab at the base of the glove eliminates any issues with slipping the glove on.

However, all of these materials are trumped–both in thickness and convenience–by the snot wipe. Off all of the gloves that have come and gone, few, if any, featured a “sweat cloth” as large and absorbent as that found on Handup Glove’s. The Handup glove provided never-ending absorption, serving like a thumb mounted roll of Bounty paper towels…yuck.

But what good is a glove that doesn’t fit? Thankfully, the fit is actually quite good. Save for what felt like a bit of extra material on the backside of the hand, no other complaints could be made.

After several months of riding (and crashing) the Handup gloves have proven resilient. There is slight wear on the leather at the base of the palm, and a couple of small nicks in the mesh. This is nothing to shake a stick at considering some gloves would be in far worse shape after the same amount of use. The ‘Merican style glove is mostly white and gets dirty quickly, but cleans up decently in the wash. Overall, the gloves are very minimalist. They offer good bar feel and some crash protection, but won’t absorb any shock on your 100 mile gravel ride. They also offer a bit of warmth, but clearly aren’t winter gloves. They aren’t the most ventilated glove either, but work just fine for spring, summer and fall riding.

Handup Gloves has taken the tried n’ true bike glove and given it a bit of that “fun and flare” that we all love about grassroots ‘cross. It’s a bonus that these changes also improved the functionality of the gloves, albeit for hand-ups. Now all we have to do is be ready on the sideline with a cold one and a couple of fresh bills.

A pair of Handup Gloves runs $26.00 USD for full finger and 25.00 USD for short finger.

]]>http://www.cxmagazine.com/handup-gloves-product-review-cyclocross-gear-apparel/feed8Rained On and Reviewed: Beating Spring Rains with Showers Pass and SealSkinzhttp://www.cxmagazine.com/rainwear-showers-pass-sealskinz-jacket-socks-gloves-spring-kit
http://www.cxmagazine.com/rainwear-showers-pass-sealskinz-jacket-socks-gloves-spring-kit#respondFri, 11 Mar 2016 14:45:15 +0000http://www.cxmagazine.com/?p=81917Spring showers are or will be upon most of us soon. If you’re out riding in wet, cool weather regulating your body temperature is a must, and that means having the right clothes.

Spring showers are or will be upon most of us soon. If you’re out riding in wet, cool weather, regulating your body temperature is a must, and that means having the right clothes.

Dressing in layers is always recommended, especially with high exertion pursuits like cycling that take you through changing conditions. Each layer manages moisture you produce as well environmental moisture. Additionally, each layer manages air movement, either restricting it for insulation and warmth, or evacuating it for evaporative and convective cooling. Finding the balance of type and number of layers is a process of trial and error based on conditions for most riders.

In this review we’re looking at an outwear piece from Showers Pass, a rain jacket, as well as a pair of their waterproof socks, and some waterproof gloves and socks from SealSkinz based in the UK.

Outerwear from Showers Pass: The Spring Classic Jacket

On the outside, a waterproof jacket will spill water off you instead of letting moisture penetrate the outer layer, cooling you off. At the same time though, any outerwear piece has to allow your sweat vapor to escape so you won’t be drenched from within. Hence the breathable, waterproof fabrics used by outerwear companies.

We received a sample of the new Spring Classic Jacket from Showers Pass of Portland, Oregon. With a name like Showers Pass, you imagine their main mission is to produce fine rainwear. The Spring Classic jacket is a new top-tier outer garment built off the Elite Pro model that the Russian Katusha World Tour pro team bought for themselves to use for the 2014 season.

The Spring Classic is pared down to be lighter and more compactable, substituting in a one-way zipper and forgoing the Elite Pro’s adjustable cuffs. The Spring Classic retains Showers Pass’ Elite fabric, a lightweight three-layer laminate. Three layer fabrics are said to be more breathable than 2.5 layer offerings. The three layers include an outer fabric coated with a durable water-repellent finish, the middle waterproof breathable layer underneath that and an inner mesh-face fabric.

The Spring Classic jacket fits snugly, but leaves enough room for a baselayer and an insulated jersey. It is cut for a typical riding position, just a bit taught across the chest with your arms at your sides, but that prevents bagginess in the torso with your arms forward. The sleeves are long to accommodate the forward reach and the back is long to give coverage below you hips when riding.

Its offset zipper and soft collar make it comfortable with the jacket zipped up all the way and an interesting zippered vent across the nape of your neck is supposed to allow airflow on the leeward side when you’re hunkered down riding into the rain. To further aid the ventilation there is a zippered core vent along each side. Waterproof, breathable fabric that stretches along the sleeve backs and side panels allows good mobility.

Waterproof performance of the Spring Classic Jacket is excellent as is ventilation thanks to its ventilating features. Any rain jacket can feel steamy and force perspiration, but the jacket’s ability to manage that and keep you warm and relatively dry that is the mark of success.

The fit, fabrics and design features make the Spring Classic jacket a top performer. If you don’t like a lot of frills, the Showers Pass Spring Classic is pared of all except the necessary. It is very well constructed and feels durable, so dirt, a branch or a tumble should not cause damage to the outer fabric. The Spring Classic is not the most compact rain jacket, though it packs into its single zippered back pocket the size of a small airline pillow, but can be squeezed into a large jersey pocket, or be easily strapped to your bike or extra bottle cage.

Aside from your core, a main key to comfort, at least in our experience, is warm, dry feet. So we find that waterproof socks are a nice accessory. The socks in mind are not over-sock or over-shoe booties, but worn in lieu of normal socks. They have a waterproof, breathable membrane sandwiched between two knit layers.

We tested samples from Showers Pass and Seal Skinz. Conceptually the same, both products are completely waterproof, reasonably breathable and have a hydrophobic synthetic knit outer with a merino wool liner. However they differ in features and fit, and we found preferences.

The Showers Pass Crosspoint wool sock comes up mid calf and fits snugly from the toes to the calf. Thanks to the membrane, the sock does have a bit of a stiff feel and wrinkles a bit when bending your ankle. Showers Pass has non-wool lined versions of the Crosspoint, but the wool will help manage moisture better and help prevent stink. The Crosspoint’s toe is a bit narrow, something to keep in mind if you have wide feet up front.

In use, there is no direct leakage from water penetration. You can stand in a bucket of water and your feet will stay dry, so if you wear rain pants and your shoes get soaked, you’ll be fine. The sock is designed so that when wearing shorts water will run down your legs and the sock’s snug fit will prevent water from running in. However, in use, the top is not quite snug enough and the wicking properties of the wool liner will wick water into the sock. In a deluge your socks will likely fill with water if you wear these with shorts.

The UK’s SealSkinz has waterproof, breathable accessories for multiple sports, and for cycling SealSkinz offers waterproof riding socks of differing weights. We tried the mid-weight, mid-length Stretchdry sock with Hydrostop, a sticky non-silicone rubbery seal inside the top of the sock to prevent water ingress.

If you wear shorts in the rain, this is your sock. The fit is a bit wider in the foot than the Showers Pass sock we tried, but the construction and fabrics are similar with a merino knit inner lining for comfort and moisture management. We preferred the slightly wider fit as waterproof socks generally take up extra shoe volume, so it’s nice not to have the sock further constrict the foot.

The SealSkins fit well up the ankle and have a similar stiffness to them as the Showers Pass offering, but the addition of the SealSkinz Hydrostop sticky rubber seal is the real winning feature. It holds the sock up and keeps it tight around the mid calf so dirt, mud and water were held at bay when riding in shorts in the rain. Even in a deluge there was no water ingress, though a small amount of moisture wicks in from the top. If you ride with long rain pants water would not be an issue at all. If you ride with shorts in the rain, these are winners.

Get a Handle on It: SealSkinz Ultra Grip and All Weather Cycle XP Gloves

Cold, wet hands affect not only your comfort, but your safety. Water robs heat and cold hands loose strength. And wet hands can obviously slip. In the rain, waterproof gloves that offer enhanced grip are a necessity. There are gloves with coated outer fabric but sewn through stitching or non-waterproof palms. But the best gloves for rain have some sort of complete membrane that is seam sealed and laminated to the outer layer, or sandwiched between the inner and outer layers. Those with a floating membrane between a coated outer layer and wicking inner one work, but are less durable. We once observed someone wring out wet gloves only to pop the membrane like a balloon, and ripping the outer stitches in the process.

SealSkinz has a broad selection of gloves for all outdoor sports and endeavors some of which are waterproof. They sent two good examples of waterproof cycling gloves for testing. The first is the Ultra Grip, using the same construction as the Stretchdry sock. If you like the look and fit of knit gloves, these will likely be attractive, with complete waterproof, breathable performance and a merino wool lining to boot.

There is a rubberized textured palm print and on the fingers for grip, and on the thumb and forefinger tips have an element that is touchscreen friendly. The fit and feel are great, and the Ultra Grips are completely waterproof, keeping hands warm and dry. There is no rubber Hydrostop seal, so we tucked them under jacket sleeves. However, just like knit gloves, the limitation is durability, especially at the web between the thumb and forefinger where you hold the brake hoods. The outer knit fabric is definitely wearing at that point after multiple uses, exposing the laminated membrane. So far the membrane is intact, but for how much longer we cannot predict.

The other waterproof glove from SealSkinz is an example of a more common waterproof cycling glove, with a hardshell fabric on the back of the hand and a synthetic leather palm with cycling-specific padding. This All Weather Cycle XP glove has a short gauntlet that goes just past the wrist and a velcro adjustable strap. There is a nose wipe on the back of the thumb and a reflective logo.

The All Weather Cycle XP is not insulated, but with the complete outer layers laminated with a sealed waterproof, breathable membrane, and a wicking liner, these gloves are warm. These gloves fit great, cut with curved fingers and definitely show toughness and durability. They are stiffer and bulkier than the Ultra Grip glove and are not touchscreen friendly, so you’ll have to take care of business before or after your ride. They also proved completely waterproof, though they were definitely a bit steamier than the Ultra Grip gloves.

(As always, we’re never paid to feature such items, and so you can trust someone on the CXM Pit Crew likes these products).

Castelli Cycling’s CW.6.0 Gloves

Castelli Cycling is no stranger to cyclocross-specific gear. The ‘Cross SanRemo Speedsuit is well-known and used by the likes of Cannonade p/b CyclocrossWorld.com and countless regional squads. The CW.6.0 Cross Glove is another solid discipline-specific piece from Castelli that really grabs some racers.

The CW.6.0’s textured palm really stands out. Whether drenched in sweat during a late-summer skill session, or saturated with rain in a late-season race, the perforated Clarino palm with its silicone pattern gives an air of confidence riding technical sections and when portaging the bike, offering a confident, controlled hold.

The CW.6.0 features minimalist padding, which isn’t for everyone. There’s only one small, thin pad the outside of the palm’s heel. The rest of the glove offers no padding. This really lets riders feel the bars. To those who like it, it’s as close to riding without gloves as one can get.

The CW.6.0 also offers some reinforcement for known trouble spots with some gloves. It has a gusset sewn onto the crook of the hand between the thumb and index finger. And the top of the hand is protected by a light but very sturdy embossed neoprene back, an area that can brush up against course stakes, trees and the like.

Despite being a full-finger glove, Castelli’s CW.6.0 isn’t particularly warm. But it’s not meant to be a truly cold weather piece as Castelli suggests a usage temperature range of 46º to 64º Fahrenheit. Aside from perforated palm, the fingers are ventilated as well, and the glove overall is light with closure duties performed by a small Velcro closure across the inside of the short cuff.

After two seasons of racing week-in, week-out there has been some loose stitching at the glove’s cuff. A minor issue easily remedied with thread and needle or at the local tailors. Depending on the course, the minimalist padding may not be welcome. But for those that find themselves on manicured tracks—or with limited hand sensitivity to rough terrain—the CW.6.0 is great.

Stock color options are a red, grey or green accents on a primarily black glove, with Castelli’s well-known red scorpion logo in key spots, including the palm for posting up at the finish line. The CW.6.0 comes in small through xxl unisex sizing.

And, new for this year, the CW.6.0 is now being offered as a custom piece through Castelli’s Servizio Course custom house. Minimums on custom designs are 24 pair and cost $30 to $40 depending on quantity ordered. So if the CW.6.0 is right for all of your squad’s riders, they can really look the part of pro racer with a glove in team livery.

Castelli’s CW.6.0 glove is a good choice for training rides, a go-to glove for race day and may well make it into some riders’ spring MTB ride rotation.

DZR’s H2O Cycling Sneaker

If you ride in the rain, you know wet feet can be a nuisance. San Francisco’s DZR Shoes and their H2O sneaker take a big step towards keeping your feet dry in wet conditions.

The H2O sneaker is a mid-rise, full-leather shoe with a rubber rand and gum rubber sole much like a skate shoe. The key differences are DZR’s ‘Power Plate,” a steel reinforced nylon shank, and mountain bike cleat compatibility both letting you ride as fast or technically as desired.

The H2O’s upper leather is soft and they are beautifully constructed with a gusseted tongue and an elastic band to keep the laces secure. To keep the sheepskin leather’s good looks it needs a waterproofing treatment. Thankfully, the H2Os comes with a tin of mink oil for that purpose so you can keep the leather from becoming waterlogged. Even absent such a treatment, DZR’s Hydroguard membrane sandwhiched between the leather up and a mesh liner keeps your feet dry.

DZR’s Brian Dillman told us that in their research other “waterproof shoes leaked at the area where the cleat mounts.” DZR solved that with their waterproof membrane and in real-world use the H2O is completely waterproof as long as water doesn’t come in over the top. Dip your DZR H2O-shod foot in standing water and there is no leakage.

Riding flat pedals or clipped in, the H2Os are comfortable and offer efficient pedaling. The mid-high upper does not seem to affect pedaling. But the shoe is heavy at 480 grams per shoe, typical of sneaker-style cycling shoes. The cleat pocket is also deep in the sole, an advantage when walking, but it renders pedal engagement and release a bit hard. The H2Os are also wider than typical race-oriented shoes so care should be taken in positioning cleats. DZR’s H2Os are not race shoes, though you could race in them. They’re stylish, practical, and versatile for all your cycling pursuits. Plus your feet will stay dry.

]]>http://www.cxmagazine.com/dzr-h2o-waterproof-cycling-shoes-cyclocross-gift-guide/feed0Reviewed: Pactimo Summit Raptor Pro RFLX Bib Shortshttp://www.cxmagazine.com/reviewed-summit-raptor-pro-rflx-bib-short-cyclocross-gravel
http://www.cxmagazine.com/reviewed-summit-raptor-pro-rflx-bib-short-cyclocross-gravel#respondMon, 13 Jul 2015 11:51:47 +0000http://www.cxmagazine.com/?p=70274Pactimo, a Colorado-based cycling attire company, released its latest Summit Raptor Pro RFLX bib shorts. We have tested them out during long gravel days in the saddle as well as at cyclocross practice in order to see how they measure up.

Pactimo sent a pair of Pactimo Summit Raptor Pro RFLX bib shorts for us to try. While the company has an extended line of skinsuit models for cyclocross, including a customizable program for local teams and clubs, some riders prefer the benefits offered by a multi-piece kit to skinsuits. After all, bibs are usually not as expensive to replace if they are too worn, and longer rides such as road or gravel races make pocket-less skinsuits a prohibitive piece of attire.

After wearing the bibs in all different kinds of conditions, I sat down with Josh Cook, Pactimo’s Retail Brand Manager, and got into some of the finer details of the Summit Raptor Pro bibs.

Even looking at the pictures, the reader might notice that there is a lot of material present in the Pactimo Summit Raptor Pro RFLX bib shorts compared to the traditional mesh-straps and low-cut bibs. Even upon closer examination of the bibs, nothing about the material looks traditional, with scales lining the entire external fabric instead of a uniform cloth.

Cook calls the material “flash coldblack” technology, which is designed to deflect heat in the form of UV rays, while the inner liner is able to remove perspiration. Don’t confuse this terminology with a bib that’s only designed for hot weather conditions. I’ve already tried the bib shorts in the early mornings where leg warmers are required. Not only are the Summit Raptor Pro bibs able to provide adequate warmth, but there was noticeably less sweat build-up, and the lack of cooling perspiration was even better for staying comfortably warm.

I can attest to the resiliency of the bibs. During my stay in Utah’s Park City, there were a few moments where I was a little overzealous in my cornering, including once where I was thrown off my mountain bike. Despite my hips and rear end getting the brunt of the fall, the only damage that was done was to a cheaper jersey I was wearing at the time.

I’ve taken a few slower-speed falls practicing cyclocross in the same bibs. While I was impressed that the Summit Raptor Pro RFLX bib shorts didn’t tear after my falls, I am ecstatic that the bibs still look brand new after over two months of heavy-duty testing.

When I first put the bibs on, I had a slight beef with how tight they felt compared to many other bib shorts I have tested, and the sheer length of the legs. However, not only did I adjust to some of these quirks, but I discovered their advantage. Josh Cook was quick to point out that the compression feel of the bibs is not designed to mimic the benefits of compression equipment. “The goals is rather to have the bibs be nice and secure in place,” he told me. “This limits the movement of the material and the bib, reducing side-to-side motions and bunching which can be one of the big culprits of saddle sores.”

As for the length of the bib shorts’ legs, which measure in at a 10.5” inseam, I’ve come to appreciate the length. While a standard size of Pactimo Summit Raptor bib shorts are available, for lanky figures such as myself, the bibs look proportionately correct.

There are also a few additional updates Pactimo made for the 2015 model. The first is modifications to the Cytech Endurance Anatomic 2 Carbon Flash they use in their bibs. This year, the chamois has an additional crease down the middle of the chamois, which Cook told me is actually designed for additional comfort for those out of the saddle surges. The edges were also softened in 2015 for further reduction of potential chaffing.

Travis Rabbit, an ECCC coordinator who has no association with Pactimo, got to test a pair of the women’s Summit Raptor bibs at the same time as myself, and had this to report on the Cytech-equipped bibs: “The chamois is firm but doesn’t interfere with saddle contact, and does not bunch, crumple or lose effectiveness when soaked in sweat. It virtually disappears into the ride. Shifting back to descend technical dirt, I never once hooked the butt of the bibs: They fit and move that well. In a thunderstorm, my shoes went ‘squish, slosh,’ but it wasn’t until miles later that I realized I hadn’t yet thought once about a soggy chammy, because it was effectively wicking and hadn’t squished once (the only remaining pleasant thing about my half-drowned self).”

Lastly, the 2015 Pactimo Summit Raptor Pro RFLX, just as it newest name alludes to, comes with a RFLX leg bands designed to reflect car light in darker settings for safety on the late-evening training rides. While we’ve tested the reflectivity in indoor settings to good results, we expect to see these areas really brighten up once the cars are out and the sun sets earlier in the day.

Although $175 could be on the high-end of many clothing budgets out there, the Pactimo Summit Raptor Pro RFLX are already proving to be a bib short with durable staying power, and offer a solution to riding long hours on a gravel road, storming down a mountain bike trail or on the cyclocross course.

Use the scroller below for more details and pictures of the bib shorts. More info: www.pactimo.com

]]>http://www.cxmagazine.com/reviewed-summit-raptor-pro-rflx-bib-short-cyclocross-gravel/feed0Review: English-Based Velobici Offers Pockets Galore on Gravel Rides with the Van Chilli Cycling Jerseyhttp://www.cxmagazine.com/velobici-van-chilli-cycling-jersey-2015-review-england
http://www.cxmagazine.com/velobici-van-chilli-cycling-jersey-2015-review-england#commentsThu, 04 Jun 2015 11:57:12 +0000http://www.cxmagazine.com/?p=69239Leicester-based Velobici created an all-weather jersey, designed to feel snug enough not to catch on anything during a cyclocross pre-ride, but also make generous use of pockets for the long gravel days in the saddle. Andy Ward offers his take on the Van Chilli in today's Jersey Review.

Clothing brand Velobici is putting the English city of Leicester on the map of the cycling world with its range of locally designed and locally made kit. Chris Puttnam began Velobici to provide high end cycling kit using the expertise of the region’s recently reviving textiles industry.

I tested the Van Chilli jersey. At £150 ($224) you expect something special and initial impressions are very good. The fabric is described as “medium weight”- it feels thicker and heavier than a standard jersey. It has a matte finish, which gives it a classy look combined with the silver embroidered logos and reflective piping on the hems and tops of the pockets.

A full length zip is a welcome addition, especially when combined with a soft chinguard and the cool chain-ring zip puller. The rear pocket design is something of a Velobici trademark. Higher on the left, with room for a pump, the pockets swoop down to a smaller, easily accessible hip pocket with room for a phone or energy bar. Two waterproof zip pockets complete the storage options.

All and all, the quantity of products that a rider can fit into the products could equate to a feast, and the Van Chilli is designed for hungry cyclists who like the option of carrying along a buffet.

In use, the quality of the jersey shines through. The soft, stretchy fabric makes for an excellent snug fit, with good silicone grippers on the sleeves and bottom hem. The breathable fabric is water resistant and provides a good level of wind-proofing. Combine with a base layer and arm-warmers and its good for spring and autumn rides or cold weather racing. Add a gilet or a waterproof jacket and winter’s covered. Stick it over a skinsuit and it’s ideal for warm up laps. I used the jersey on several off-road and gravel rides, putting it through some seriously filthy conditions. Here the jersey’s durability came to the fore: Repeated heavy duty washing had no effect on its pristine feel.

This is an expensive jersey, but it feels like it ought to be. The use of local factories allows Velobici an attention to detail and a level of hands-on quality control that’s obvious in the finished item. Although the thicker fabric means that it feels a bit weighty, in the end, the combination of good looks, durability and comfort mean the Van Chilli has become my favorite jersey.